Despite injuries, Weinke still tried to help other victims

By Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

CDCR Sgt. Todd Wienke was shot while shielding his girlfriend from gunfire at the country music festival in Las Vegas Oct 1. While trying to lead others to safety, he was shot a second time. He survived.

He’s the second CDCR employee Inside CDCR has learned was shot at the event.

Fire camp commander killed

Family, friends and staff at Sierra Conservation Center and Ventura Conservation Camp were stunned to learn one of their own was killed in the mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Camp Commander Lt. Derrick “Bo” Taylor, 56, attended the country music festival but didn’t survive the Oct. 1 attack which left 59 dead and more than 500 wounded.

“I was so deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Lt. Derrick Taylor. The horrific circumstances make his death all the more painful. I visited the camp ‘Bo’ Taylor managed and it was so uplifting to hear the stories from staff that clearly exemplified him as a well-liked and respected man, not only as a leader but as a friend. He devoted nearly 30 years to our Department and served us well. I extend my warmest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” said CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan.

“There are no words to express the feeling of loss and sadness regarding Bo’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. We truly are a family here at SCC and Bo’s loss will be felt throughout the prison, conservation camps, and Department,” Warden Joel Martinez wrote in a memo to staff.

Lt. Taylor served the department for decades, beginning his career on Jan. 25, 1988, at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. His first appointment as an officer was at California Correctional Institution. He transferred to Wasco State Prison in 1994 and then went on to High Desert State Prison in 1995.

A promotion to Correctional Sergeant saw him transfer to Pleasant Valley State Prison in January 1997. In June 2001, he promoted to Correctional Lieutenant. He transferred to La Cima Conservation Camp as the Camp Commander in November 2004 and then to Ventura Camp in October 2014.

Helping others in the chaos

California City Correctional Facility Sgt. Wienke was enjoying the music festival with his girlfriend, about 40 or 50 yards from the stage, when the shooting started.

Sgt. Wienke spoke to Inside CDCR by phone before traveling home to seek medical care.

Sgt. Todd Wienke and his girlfriend were all smiles in this photo taken moments before the shooting started in Las Vegas.

“Jason Aldean, the headliner of the last night, had taken the stage and was probably 20 or 25 minutes into his performance, maybe four or five songs,” recalls Wienke. “I was standing to the right of the stage, which was closer to Las Vegas Boulevard in a huge crowd of people. We were 40 or 50 yards from the stage, from the right side, facing it, closer to the shooter. We heard the first group of gunshots. My first reaction was it could have been fireworks because of the sound.”

He realized it was gunfire. Since he couldn’t tell where the sound was coming from, he assumed it was from the street and was possibly a police encounter.

“The shots were actually coming from high up in the Mandalay Bay and it was hard to determine where the shots were coming from. I thought they were coming from ground level and from Las Vegas Boulevard, so we would be safe,” he said. “I told everyone around me it was fireworks to keep everyone calm. I thought the police were in a shootout on Las Vegas Boulevard.”

The initial gunfire quickly ended and while there was confusion, Sgt. Wienke thought they were safe.

“There was a burst of gunfire and then it was over. Aldean kept playing and I thought the venue was safe since we were well-searched before we went in,” he said. “Then another 10 or 20 seconds happened and then shots just rang out – multiple gunshots in a rapid way. Then I realized, not only are they shooting at us, but it was from an elevated position.”

Sgt. Wienke assessed the situation and his surroundings.

“I threw my girlfriend to the ground and covered her. I yelled for others to get down. I was worried about getting trampled by the crowd,” he said. “I told people around me we were staying here and waiting for the shots to stop. Then I got shot in the back.”

Sgt. Todd Wienke.

While shot, he was still concerned with those around him.

“I felt (the gunshot) but I also felt as if it wasn’t going to kill me,” he recalls. “I thought maybe it was a through-and-through so I checked my girlfriend, but she was OK. I whispered to her I was shot.”

Quickly he looked around, knowing they were in a dangerous place.

“Then I saw where everyone was running, and they went across stage. Then, when enough people got off the ground, we ran in a C-pattern, running further away from the stage rather than across from the stage.”

He knew two coworkers, a married couple who were also correctional officers at California City Correctional Facility, were also at the concert, having been with them before Aldean started playing. Wanting to make sure they were safe, he ran to their last known location, but the area was empty.

“That’s where I got shot again,” he said. “Then my next step was to go find cover for my girlfriend and went to where the vendors were. I found a place where she would be safe and found three Las Vegas officers there with weapons drawn.”

He identified himself and offered assistance, asking where the staging area was.

“They told me to get out of there because I was wounded and covered with blood. They weren’t having anything to do with me and I understand,” he said.

Nearby, two women were profusely bleeding from their heads, but were trying to get away.

“There were two women who were shot in the head but they were on their feet. I figured Las Vegas Boulevard was in the line of fire, where everyone was running, so I grabbed those women and my girlfriend and we ran to Hooters casino and went in through a back entrance,” he said.

Once inside, he began setting up a triage area along with others who fled to the casino.

“There were other civilians in Hooters who said they were nurses and they started bandaging people. I took off my shirt and belt and had my girlfriend check me out to see if I had a chest wound. She didn’t see any so I helped organize the triage area,” he said.

After some confusion about a possible additional shooter, which turned out to be false, they spotted an ambulance outside the doors.

“I looked for green and yellow (minor) injuries. There were no red-level injuries. I piled into the ambulance with the two women shot in the head and they took us to the Henderson hospital, which was the furthest outlying hospital. One of the women was fading in and out and I kept pressure on her head and I tried to keep her talking. The ambulance emergency medical technician kind of freaked out. No one can imagine what you’re going to do in a situation like that,” he said.

At the hospital, he was told he was going to be held for observation and they were going to leave the bullets and shrapnel in his body for now.

“First they said they would take me into surgery and then they realized others were in more critical need so they monitored me until 4 a.m. and said they’d determine later what to do,” he said. “I told them if all they were going to do was observe me, I was going to leave to free up a bed so I went out to the waiting room. People were already coming from Cal City. They picked up my girlfriend and then they showed up at the hospital and took me to a hotel.”

He has multiple gunshot wounds.

“I have three – one under my arm, one in my left side, halfway down my torso toward the back, and above my left buttocks,” he said. “I think one is an exit wound but I will learn more at the doctor. They say I have tons of shrapnel but they said they don’t always remove it all. I can feel stuff in my body.”

His efforts to protect his girlfriend paid off as she only suffered bruises.

He’s also concerned about how the mass shooting might affect others.

“I appreciate the concern and outpouring from the department. It’s really been heartwarming. So many people did so many things and there were so many victims,” he said. “I’ve talked to CCSO and I’m a peer support counselor and would like to offer help to others in my area. I’ve already contacted EAP to get help for my girlfriend and my kids.”

California City Correctional Facility Warden John Garza said prison staff are proud of Sgt. Wienke’s actions.

“I and all the other staff here at CAC are very proud of the heroic actions of Sgt. Wienke. It comes as no surprise considering his character and caring spirit. We pray for his speedy recovery and mourn with him the loss of all those innocent lives. Our condolences go out to all those impacted by this tragedy,” Warden Garza said.

142 Comments

E.Rios (CSPC-LAC)
on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 8:58 pm

My Condolences and Prayers to the Taylor family and may God Bless you and your Family. Lt.Taylor will be missed dearly. And a speedy recovery to Sgt.Wienke.

Thank you Sgt. Wienke for your strength to help others in need. God Bless you and your family. from CSPC-LAC FAMILY!!!

Thoughts and prayers, May God be with and and may God Bless you and your family. May God watch over your family, your CDCR family, friends and relatives in this most difficult of times. You were an Icon in the Camp world, your leadership and supervision was legendary. May you Rest in Peace Lt.,until we meet again. C/O Teddy Castillon, Gabilan #38.

Deepest sympathies to Lt. Taylor’s family and colleagues. My husband (a law enforcement officer in Minnesota) and I met Lt. Taylor on September 30 while at the Route 91 festival. Although we were strangers, it felt like we were talking to family. Thoughts and prayers to all affected by this tragedy.

I had the pleasure of working many wildfires with Lt. Taylor, most memorably , the Rim Fire. He was my direct CDCR supervisor for several weeks on that particular strike team. Bo was one of the most knowledgeable, approachable and good natured men I have ever had the good fortune worked with. He will be missed terribly . My heart and prayers go out to his, as well as his girlfriend, Denise Cohen’s family and friends. No words will ever capture the impact he had on all of our lives. RIP, Bo.

Sgt. Wienke, thank you for doing what you do. I’m sure you made a huge difference in more people’s lives that night than you’ll ever know. I hope you have a swift and complete recovery.

I am so sad although very proud of our CDCR staff. It comes as no surprise that our staff put themselves in harm’s way protecting and saving others. Bless you Sgt Wienke and we all are very proud of your actions and wish you a speedy recovery. My heart goes out to all of the victims and to Lt. Taylor’s family and work family. May Lt. Taylor Rest in Peace. Love and Light.

Bo will be missed but always remembered. He always made my time at La Cima and Ventura comfortable and efficient. We had plans to meet up on my next trip, just can’t believe he is gone. My deepest condolences to his family, and friends. RIP my friend.

Prayers to all of the victims and their families,Lt. Bo Taylor, you will be truly missed. Thank you for your service and leadership. I’m fortunate enough to have worked with you on many ca. wildfires and your presence will be missed. RIP

We are cut from a different cloth. We move to danger because we can make a difference.
I’m proud to hear your story of bravery and sacrifice and your willingness to protect the ones that can’t.
Being a Hero isn’t about throwing or catching a ball or taking a knee

All I can do is reiterate the condolences and prayers of others for the victims of this atrocity.

Danette Ramirez
on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 10:15 am

My prayers and condolences to family, loved ones and co-workers of Lt Taylor. SCC and CC#46 will be at a loss without you. Sgt Wienke, my heart goes out to you and your girlfriend. Thankful you both made it through this horrific event. God bless you.

KS
on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 8:54 am

My condolences to the Taylor family, his friends, co-workers and all that knew him.

Thank you Sgt. Wienke for assisting others in their time of need and praying for a speedy recovery.

Bo was a good friend during his early years at CCI,it was a pleasure to know and work with him,he liked to clown or prank you if he could,but in a good way, I golfed with him many times and went to a 49ers/Cowboys NFC championship game at Candlestick park in 1993 I believe,it was the year they beat the Chargers in the super bowl and we were able to get right down on the field and see it up close, he definitely was a true family man ,my heart goes out to his family,God bless.

To LT. Taylor rest in peace and god bless your family . To Sgt. Wienke thank you for showing the world that in the the worst of what man can be, you showed the world the best that mankind can is. God bless and fast recovery.

D. Furtado
on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 3:25 pm

A man of integrity who treasured family. May the Lord watch over and protect them in your passing. It was my privilege to be a member of your staff. You are Loved and Respected. Rest in Peace my Friend.

So tragic. I was honored to work with you at PVSP. I sat with you as both of us were groomsmen for Robert and Carmens wedding. Ironically, I was there that night at the concert as well, God took the better angel my brother. I will forever live with this. RIP Bo, and may God place peace over your family.

Although we never met, being a part of the PVSP family, the loss saddens my heart. May you and your friend Rest in Peace. To the Taylor family – There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn and people we can’t live without but have to let go.” May God be with you at this time.

My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones. He was taken way before his time, gone too soon. But not forgotten. May the Good Lord strengthen their hearts in the wake of this tragedy. Rest in perfect peace LT. Bo Taylor

This is very sad and heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Family and Friends that had the opportunity of knowing Lt. Taylor. Lt. Taylor you are at home with out loving father. May you Rest In Peace

So tragic to learn about the loss of one of CDCR’s finest. This is a tremendous blow to the CDCR and the beloved people that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Taylor and his family. May God give you comfort, strength and peace during this difficult time. Thank you, Lt. Taylor for your service and sacrifice.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bo Taylor at Pleasant Valley. Great individual and did not matter who you were,he was always helpful and approachable. Was great to have known and work for him. Deeply missed Brotha. Prayers to the Family.

my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to his family and all the CDCR. Community..may he be Rest In Peace and may his loved ones find comfort in the reassurance that you will meet up with him again soon!

RIP Bo Taylor, End of Watch, the rest of the team will take it from here. You were a kind and considerate man, Dale and I will miss you much. May your family feel the arms of our Lord holding them tightly,carrying them through this difficult time.

Sessa said a lot of officers start work in the traditional prison settings and work hard to get into the camps, like Taylor did, because they believe in the mission of rehabilitation for the inmates. Rest in Peace

I am so sorry! I just met Lieutenant Taylor at the Berry Fire. My husband and I were doing laundry for the crews. He would come by and we would visit. He was such a wonderful man. My heart is so sad for his family and loved ones. My prayers will be with all of you.

Have a Peaceful End of Watch Lieutenant. You will be missed on fireline and by all Camp and CDCR Staff. May God bring comfort and peace to your family through this difficult time. Loving thoughts and prayers…
Claudette Perrin, YCC
Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp

I am deeply saddened by this news. I met Bo during the Rim Fire and quickly built a friendship. He was a great guy to be around and was always there when I had a question or needed advice. Condolences to family and staff that knew him.

Bo: My Heart is broken to lose such a great guy and friend, he was well liked and admired by those who knew him, we Opened the La Cima Camp together and he was a great boss, My condolences to his Family and Friends. Rest in Peace my good friend.

I worked around Bo at Pleasant Valley and again out on the Fire Crews. Bo was always a pleasure to be around, and a wealth of knowlege. CDCR lost a great employee, and we all lost a great friend. My Prayers go out to the family that Bo held dear to his heart. We are all so sorry for the loss of Bo!